Rare CRICKET alarm pocket watch c1890

This is a wonderfully curious pocket watch made in Switzerland circa 1890

It is known as a Cricket alarm and the back cover is decorated with a beautifully rendered carved cricket in high detailed definition with the back of the inside cover also having a cricket motif. Instead of having a bell or gongs for alarm function, there is a disc of blue steel held within the inner dust cover. This steel disc has an integral spike which slots through a hole in the movement. When the alarm is activated a wheel hits the spike which uses the disc to create a louder clicking sound, imitating the sound of a cricket.

Movement – the nickel ¾ plate movement has a lever escapement decorated with damascening and is jewelled throughout. The movement has a tandem wound alarm function as described above. The movement is in 85% mint condition – many fine scratches.

Case – the movement comes in a silver open face case, which has a hinged inner, back and a snap on bezel. The back of the case is decorated with a superbly rendered carved cricket in high relief. The sides are decorated with pierced leaves and flowers so that the sound from the alarm is more audible. The inside of the back cover has a beautiful cricket motif carved in miniature and the case is signed “Depose 3051” The hinged cover is also decorated with pierced work and is set with the blue steel disc – please read the fist paragraph for an explanation. The snap on bezel also rotates which sets the hand for the alarm function. This has a glazed aperture so you can see the position of the hand. The case has coin edged sides. The case is in 90% mint condition

Dial – the white enamel dial has red star accents.  Has blue steel hands and a gilt alarm hand. The dial is in 90% mint condition – hairlines on the 10-11 and on the 5.

The watch has a mineral glass

The watch measures 47mm wide x 20mm deep

The watch is stem wound / pin set